Talking about racism can seem difficult and uncomfortable. The temptation can be to avoid discussion. However, issues around race seldom disappear. This course provides a foundational education on racism to help increase confidence in speaking about and dealing with issues of race (particularly in the workplace). It provides a language through which meaningful conversation can take place.

It is divided into three modules: Race, Unconscious Bias, Microaggressions.

Aim: To gain knowledge on what constitutes racism and build your confidence to engage in matters concerning race. Essentially, this course is to develop your racial literacy. 

Objectives:

By the end of the day, participants will have covered:

Race

• Definitions of racism
• The origins of race
• The scope of racism in society
• How assumptions, stereotypes and prejudice can lead to racial discrimination
• Why some words to describe groups of people can be problematic and what alternatives can be used

Unconscious Bias

• A definition
• What happens when the brain detects a threat
• How unconscious biases are formed
• 10 different types that influence racism
• How to challenge bias through debiasing techniques
• Conscious bias

Microaggressions

• A definition
• The three types: microassaults, microinsults and microinvalidations
• Clear examples of what microaggressions look like in action
• How common statements can lead to racial marginalisation
• The impact on ethnic minorities
• Coping mechanisms used to deal with microaggressions

This course allows learners to deepen their knowledge of microaggressions beyond definitions, impact and coping mechanisms. It focuses on micro-interventions (ways to challenge microaggressions) and methods to manage difficult conversations. As a trainer, there will be many moments when you will need to challenge tricky questions, manage dialogue between training and gently challenge microaggressions in session. This section provides a safe environment to try different approaches and gain feedback.

Day 2 is based on the second half of our Understanding Microaggressions – the Subtle Racism CPD-accredited course and is designed to be very practical to build skill and confidence.

Aim:

To provide a thorough education on racial microaggressions to reduce harm caused to ethnic minorities and build confidence in delivering training.

Objectives

By the end of the day, the participants will have covered:

Intersectionality, what that means for different groups

• Define the term
• The difficulties of intersectionality
• Antiblackness as a unique intersection
• How to approach intersectionality in a training context – elements to consider when planning and delivering

Microinterventions

• Define the term
• Microaffirmations, microchallenges and microprotectants

Methods to manage difficult conversations

• Difficult Dialogues Mastery System.
• Mastering internal dialogue.
• Different ways to manage difficult conversations
• A.C.T.I.O.N Classroom Model
• Self-care post discussion.
• Microaggressions FAQs

Though very rewarding, delivering antiracism is seldom easy. There is a lot to consider: Will teaching be an emotional trigger? If so, how do I manage that? What happens if someone gets upset during a session? Am I able to manage the expectations and challenges I am likely to receive? How does one deliver effective training that causes people to question long-held beliefs and challenges existing thoughts? It is useful to learn about the types of challenges trainers are likely to face and how to handle those. Therefore, this day focuses on what it takes to be an effective trainer and prepares participants for a wide variety of common scenarios.

Whilst the entire course provides ways into allyship, time is also spent on investigating the term allyship and identifying specific strategies to help people on their antiracism journeys.

Aim: To equip trainees with information so that they feel confident to deliver the training and have the tools to deal with common tricky situations

Objectives: By the end of the day, participants will have covered:

Allyship

1. What this means in the context of antiracism
2. Racial Advantage
3. The Allyship Toolbox

The challenges of teaching antiracism

• Common rebuttals, reactions and questions
• How to deal with challenges

How to teach antiracism using the A.C.T.I.O.N. Approach

• Learn how to use this evidence-based approach based on Transformative Learning Theory
• What this looks like in a training context

How to utilise a trauma-informed approach

• The 6 types of racial stressors
• How to recognise trauma
• What approaches to take when recognised
• Signposting
• How to ensure everyone feels safe during sessions
• How to take care of ethnic minorities during sessions
• Self-care techniques

Delivery Practise

• Team teach a section of the syllabus
• Get feedback on training delivery